Why Diwali matters

Ever danced a garba, lit a diya or ate orange jalebis?

President and First Lady Michelle Obama has, and she is doing it in the White House.Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights often described as the Asian version of Christmas or Hanukkah. It’s an apt comparison because the core religious values reflected in all three holidays are identical and lights play an important role in their respective rituals. Although largely unknown in the US, Diwali is gaining recognition as the nation’s Hindu population grows. A 2006 episode of the hit comedy The Office debuted America’s first Diwali office party. The Pew Research Centre reports there are now the same percentage of Hindus and Buddhists in the US as there are Jews. More Asians are immigrating than Hispanics and this new wave is the most educated in US history.